FRIED CLEVELAND TOFU AND BARBECUED VEGGIE SAUSAGE

FRIED CLEVELAND TOFU AND BARBECUED VEGGIE SAUSAGE

Cleveland Tofu cubes coated with a dry rub, then fried till charred. Served atop a saute of caramelized onion and Gimme Lean Veggie Sausage drenched in a sweet, vinegar smoky barbecue sauce!

Serves 4

Tofu:

16 oz. container Cleveland Tofu, drained, rinsed and gently squeezed between sev. layers paper towels to remove excess liquid; cut block into 4 equal slabs, then cut ea. slab into 4 equal sticks, then ea. stick into 4 equal cubes

1 t. mild paprika

1 t. turmeric

1/2 t. salt

2 T. corn oil

Combine paprika, turmeric and salt in large, deep bowl. Place tofu cubes in bowl, then gently flip bowl till all cubes are evenly coated with dry rub.

In large skillet, over medium-high heat, melt oil. Add tofu cubes and fry on nearly all sides till browned and charred in some spots. Remove to plate.

Veggie Sausage:

2 T. corn oil

2 sm. yellow onions, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch squares

1/2, 14 oz. tube of Gimme Lean Veggie Sausage by Lightlife

In separate skillet, over medium heat, melt oil.

Add onion, just a little salt, then saute till soft and browned.

Pinch off pieces of veggie sausage into the skillet, break apart with spatula, and saute till browned.

Barbecue Sauce:

2/3 c. ketchup

1/4 c. prepared yellow mustard

1/2 c. white vinegar

1/3 c. light brown sugar

2 t. liquid smoke

2 t. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. water

Combine all barbecue sauce ingredients in mixing bowl. Stir with fork or wire whisk till well-blended.

Pour barbecue sauce into sausage skillet, stir and cook till sauce reduces to the thickness you want. It reduces quickly.

Transfer most of sausage and sauce to heat-proof platter, top with fried tofu and top with remaining sausage sauce. Or place all sausage on the bottom and top with tofu. Your choice.

Serve at once, either alone or with sides of choice.

Notes: If you want some time to make your side dishes (rice, salad etc.) after the tofu is done, that’s fine. Make your sides, then when you’re ready, simply cover the tofu/sausage on your heat-proof platter with foil and reheat in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.

The reason we add water to the barbecue sauce is to drench the saute in the sauce and then let it flavor the ingredients, while it cooks and the water evaporates. You wouldn’t do this on a grill, but in a skillet it’s the best way.

Cleveland Tofu is a thick, dense, dry tofu unlike any I’ve tried from either mainstream or specialty markets. The texture more resembles chicken, more often found in veggie meats than tofu. A great product. Thank you Cleveland Tofu.